Memorandum
Date: April 15, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Matthew Barnes, UCCE Area Director
Subject: 9:10 A.M. - Consideration of Presentation by Dr. Christopher Chen, UCCE Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor
Executive Summary:
Dr. Christopher Chen, UCCE’s Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor for Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma counties, will present an update on the work and initiatives of the UCCE viticulture program. This presentation will highlight the following key areas:
• Program Objectives: Dr. Chen provides one-on-one assistance to vineyard owners, helping them navigate economic challenges in the wine grape market through improved farming practices and applied research.
• Current Research Focus: Topics include drought recovery rootstocks, smoke risk mitigation during prescribed burns, and frost protection strategies using frost fans to conserve water.
• Educational and Outreach Events: UCCE viticulture advisors organize multiple educational events throughout the year to support local growers, including Pest Identification training, Grape Day, and tailgate events.
• Impact on Lake County: Specific research conducted in Lake County includes light-modification technologies for improving grapevine production and rootstock trials in the Red Hills AVA.
The presentation aims to inform the Board about UCCE's ongoing efforts to support the region's viticulture industry, improve sustainability, and provide free expert guidance to local growers facing challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and market fluctuations.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
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☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Presentation Only.